Electro-optically switchable system

Abstract

An electro-optically switchable system that includes an optically active element and a momentary switch, a container that includes such an electro-optically switchable system and use of such an electro-optically switchable system for providing containers that allow increased light to pass through into the interior thereof only for the duration of a control intervention.

1 . An electro-optically switchable system, comprising
 an optically active element which, in the illuminated state, at least partially prevents the transmission of light in the visible wavelength range and, by switching an electric circuit, allows increased transmission of light in the visible wavelength range, and   a momentary switch based on a photovoltaic effect, which increases the transmission of light for the duration of the actuation of the momentary switch,   
       it being possible for the transmission of light to be increased by actuating the momentary switch substantially independently of the external illuminated state of the system. 
     
     
         2 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 1 , wherein the momentary switch comprises a solar cell or consists of a solar cell. 
     
     
         3 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 1 , wherein, when a voltage is applied, the optically active element at least partially prevents the transmission of light in the visible wavelength range and, by interrupting the electric circuit, allows an increased transmission of light in the visible wavelength range. 
     
     
         4 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 3 , wherein the optically active element comprises liquid crystals. 
     
     
         5 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 4 , wherein the optically active element comprises at least two liquid-crystalline layers which have the same chirality and absorb in a similar wavelength range. 
     
     
         6 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 5 , wherein the optically active element comprises at least two chiral-nematic layers which have the same chirality and absorb in a similar wavelength range. 
     
     
         7 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 4 , wherein the optically active element comprises polymer-dispersed liquid crystals. 
     
     
         8 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 1 , wherein, when a voltage is not applied, the optically active element at least partially prevents the transmission of light in the visible wavelength range and, by closing the electrical circuit, allows an increased transmission of light in the visible wavelength range. 
     
     
         9 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 8 , wherein the optically active element is a photoelectrochromic element, which becomes darkly colored under lighting and, by closing the electric circuit, becomes substantially transparent, independently of the external illuminated state of the system. 
     
     
         10 . The electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 9 , wherein the momentary switch comprises a photodiode or consists of a photodiode. 
     
     
         11 . A container, which comprises an electro-optically switchable system according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . The container according to  claim 11 , wherein a light source for the momentary switch is additionally provided. 
     
     
         13 . The container according to  claim 11  for sales products which are to be protected from the influence of light. 
     
     
         14 . The use of an electro-optically switchable system as defined in  claim 1  as a component of a container which allows an increased transmission of light into its interior for the duration of the actuation of the momentary switch. 
     
     
         15 . The use of the electro-optically switching system as defined in  claim 1  as a component of a container for substances which are to be kept protected from the influence of light. 
     
     
         16 . The use according to  claim 15  in a packaging for sales products which are to be kept protected from the influence of light. 
     
     
         17 . The use according to  claim 15 , wherein the sales products are foods, food supplements, drugs and/or cosmetics. 
     
     
         18 . The use of a container, comprising an electro-optically switchable system as defined in  claim 1 , as packaging for the protection of products packed therein from the harmful effects of light. 
     
     
         19 . The use of a container, comprising an electro-optically switchable system as defined in  claim 1 , as packaging for increasing the inducement to buy in a consumer.